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Title	Features of ophthalmic training in ten European countries
Abstract Nr.	3014

Purpose	To compare features of ophthalmology training programs in ten different Western European countries.
Methods	Ten ophthalmologists with personal knowledge of all ten systems contributed. Features examined included career pathway, duration of training, surgical training, governing bodies, and examination structure.
Results	A number of differences emerged, including length of training (ranging from 4 to 7 years) and numbers of required surgical procedures. The majority of programmes do not stipulate a minimum cataract surgical requirement; where stated, the requirement ranged from 40 to 350 procedures.
Conclusion	Doctors are able to travel internationally to study and work and this is experienced commonly within ophthalmology. We have outlined the similarities and differences found within training programs in ten different Western European countries. Ophthalmologists and trainers may find it useful to be aware of the structure of training programs elsewhere to become familiar with previous experience of non-national trainees or fellows and to share good practice.
Conflict of interest	No

Authors 1

Last name	QIN
Initials	V
Department	CHU UCL Namur
City	Brussels

Authors 2

Last name	Mahroo
Initials	O
Department	Moorfields Eye Hospital
City	London

Authors 3

Last name	Basheer
Initials	K
Department	Moorfields Eye Hospital
City	London

Authors 4

Last name	Van Bol
Initials	L
Department	Moorfields Eye Hospital
City	London

Authors 5

Last name	Strauss
Initials	R
Department	Moorfields Eye Hospital
City	London

Authors 6

Last name	La Mantia
Initials	A
Department	Moorfields Eye Hospital
City	London

Authors 7

Last name	Vehof
Initials	J
Department	Moorfields Eye Hospital
City	London

Authors 8

Last name	Cardoso
Initials	J
Department	Moorfields Eye Hospital
City	London

Authors 9

Last name	Alfageme-Vazquez
Initials	C
Department	Moorfields Eye Hospital
City	London

Authors 10

Last name	Tasiopoulou
Initials	A
Department	Moorfields Eye Hospital
City	London